The simulacra effect: the effect of media simulations on eating disorder symptomology in gay men

J Homosex. 2008;55(1):106-23. doi: 10.1080/00918360802129352.

Abstract

Researchers have uncovered a disturbing trend in the gay community: Gay men are at an increased risk for disordered eating. Researchers in this area generally support the existence of a sociocultural component to this phenomenon; however, these assertions have not been experimentally tested. We attempted to demonstrate that media representations targeted toward gay men have the potential to affect disordered eating and self-perception. Results showed that contrary to the hypothesis, the experimental group did not show an increase in eating disorder symptomology; in some cases, the opposite occurred. Implications of the importance of identifying with media images are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Advertising
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / etiology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Media*
  • Self Concept